Exclusive Song Premiere: ‘Farm,’ D.A.

Last month, Odd Future frontman Tyler, The Creator premiered a music video he directed for “Glowing,” an anonymously produced track that immediately set the Internet to speculating on who was behind it. Interview can now reveal a little, at least: the artist behind the track goes by the initials D.A., and he’s not new to the scene, having previously been in a respected indie-pop band with hip-hop bona fides. Today, D.A. is releasing a second single, “Farm,” which we’re pleased to exclusively premiere here. Like “Glowing,” it takes a refreshingly unadorned approach; the piano line driving the melody, and D.A.’s vocals, might call to mind Elton John at his early-’70s best.

“‘Farm’ and ‘Glowing’ are pretty simple, straightforward, honest songs,” D.A. says. “Stupidity, money-worship, and sexism are dominating our culture right now, so I’m trying to make an alternative soundtrack for those who desire one.” It’s a mission statement that isn’t just reserved for his music. “After years of thinking about it,” he says, “I gave up on trying to be ‘cool’ pretty recently, since it’s a fraudulent concept and is infinitely less appealing to me than having a handle on truth, beauty, and compassion.”

While these may seem like lofty goals for a musician, Wallach cites some well known success stories as influence. “I’m inspired these days by Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Gandhi, and others who did everything in their powers to elevate culture and human consciousness,” Wallach remarks. “Fail or succeed, I’m trying to answer the call of their legacy. I recommend listening with eyes closed and volume high.”